To carve or not?

[Brooks]

Hi All, question from an old timer newbe.

In reference to Freak's post Jan. 2007 about carving small letters, I had hoped to find an answer to my question. How does one handle the fine detail of whitetail antlers on a deer head that measures roughly 3" square. I could not determine from the Freak post if it was recommended to carve the letters (antlers) or use the small bevel. On my first attempt (on scrap) I tried to use the swivel knife and then bevel the areas that I thought needed it. The piece was not that striking. I would like the carving to stand out a little more. Do I accomplish this with a heavier hand while beveling or cut deeper when cutting. Also do I cut with the swivel knife or the scalpel?

Any advise on the issue would be greatly appreciated. I have really been enjoying all of the different posts on the many different subjects.

[ClayB]

That's not a real easy question to answer, without seeing what you have done, or knowing a few more things like the thickness of the leather you are carving on. If you are working on really thin leather, you always have to be careful not to cut too deep or tool too deep. As for the antlers, I would probably still cut them with the swivel knife, but dont cut real deep into the leather. I wouldn't suggest carving the antlers with the scalpel. It would be harder to control the cuts as the blade is really sharp and thin. The blade tends to bend if you use too much pressure, and the thin cut it makes would be hard to follow with a beveler. If you bevel with a beveler, dont bevel too deep either, then add detail with a modeling spoon. Or, you can actually do all the beveling and detailing with just a modeling spoon.

There are some places you can go online for lessons that might help you out. The first place is Paul Burnett's free lessons. There are lessons here that teach you about cutting with the swivel knife, beveling, moisture levels in the leather, modeling tool use, and more. While they aren't directed at carving the deer you are talking about, all the points covered in these lessons can be applied to your carving and will help you achive the depth and detail you are trying to get.

Another place to check is Robert Beard's website. He's got a couple tutorials on there that will give you some idea how to bevel and matt to get more depth in your carving.

And finally, there is a tutorial here on Leatherworker that I did on how I carve an elk.

Hopefully some of these lessons can lead you in the right direction. If not, maybe you can post a picture of your carving, and if we see where you are having problems, we can try to give you some ideas on how to fix them.

[Brooks]

Hi Clay,

Hey, I,m honored, my first post here and I drew one of the founding members. Thanks for the reply.

You basically answered my question. I think it will take some practice and muscle memory. It has only been almost 40 years since I picked up a leather tool. Getting to that time in life and health that I need to find something a little less stressful or strenuous. No thanks, I don't think I want to embarrass myself by placing a picture on here just yet. This going on a pistol holster and I am using 7-8 oz. leather. I'll post the finished product. I'll also check out some of the sites you told me about. Thanks again.